MASTERING THE MAKE-UP BRUSH - INTERVIEW WITH BRIGITTA WITEK

1: Did you come from an artistic background?

I did not grow up amongst “real artists” but spread my wings next to my grandmother who was a dressmaker. The craftsmanship was transmitted in my family from generation to generation. My mother took the place of my grandma and translated my designs into unique pieces of clothing, and obviously, with good clothing comes good make-up!

Also, my father used to work as a carpenter and had a great passion for woodcarving. He taught me that beauty could be found in everything and how important it is to be sensitive about it. I am always taking the precision in the handcrafts skills of my family as a reference point in the quality of my manual performance whilst doing make-up.

I believe this has shaped my sense for art and directed me into the position I am right now. I am sure, my surroundings helped me a lot to see the beauty even in the simplest things and transform them into something more meaningful.

2: Did you have any formal Make-Up training?

I polished my passion with a professional make-up course years ago in Budapest, Hungary. Afterwards, I found myself working alongside masters of the theatre scene as well as celebrity make-up artists. I consider myself very lucky to have had such mentors!

Despite this, I always try to look for new solutions, new techniques and elevate this artistry to new heights. I believe this to be an adventure of a lifetime and there will always be something new to learn or improve, making this profession really exciting.

3: Which Make Up products can you not live without?

There is a perfect analogy for this, creating a chocolate soufflé.

All products are equally important and if one of them is missing, it will cause a bad taste. I disagree with semi-finished solutions and believe a makeover should be like a sung song, from start to finish. I treat all make-up products as equally important. There are different ingredients for different recipes.

4: What kind of looks do you prefer doing?

I am convinced that my personality, lifestyle and taste determine the way in which I perceive beauty. My favorite looks are elegant, decent and minimal.

Excuse me if I am now a little bit superstitious, but I believe to have noticed a dependency in the zodiac sign of a make-up artist and the creative outcome. As a Libra, my eternal desire is to find the balance and harmony in all possible ways. I prefer a look, which best fits to the moment.

" I believe to have noticed a dependency in the zodiac sign of a make-up artist and the creative outcome. As a Libra, my eternal desire is to find the balance and harmony in all possible ways. I prefer a look, which best fits to the moment. "

5: What is the most exciting or challenging job you have ever done as a freelancer?

Excitement and challenge are probably the two most important keywords in this industry if you plan to swim above the sea level. The only way to enjoy what you do is to always improve your last result and strive to perfection. Even a simple daily makeover could be done in ten different ways, which makes it so exciting.

The difficult part is when it comes to factors where you have no influence like weather, temperature or some extreme conditions. I have already experience these factors with freezing cold rooms, hell hot suns and destructive winds.

6: Any aspirations for your own Make-Up line?

That would be amazing! Unfortunately, this is only possible in dreams but sometimes dreams come true. So let’s believe in dreams.

I think every woman deserves to possess her own make-up kit with all the necessary products. I see women fed up with make-up cases overloaded with unnecessary scrap and most of the times, products with exceeded expiry dates. People are often surprised that make-up can also expire.

My make-up line would be distributed in small amounts, allowing products to be used before they get broken or can harm the skin. In addition, the small size would weigh much less which is much more practical and convenient.

7: What advice would you give to a new Make-Up Artist?

Be strong. Believe in yourself. Never give up. At the beginning, it will be a hard journey where often you will feel disappointed and left alone.

Find your team, this profession is not for lonely wolves! You need to learn how to collaborate and take criticism seriously as you do art on somebody’s face.

" Find your team, this profession is not for lonely wolves! You need to learn how to collaborate and take criticism seriously as you do art on somebody’s face. "

8: What do you think of the Creative Community in London?

Creative communities everywhere are tightly closed banks, not just in London. This bank has no doors or windows. In order to be a part of it, you need to make sure you are on the guest list for the next private party to give you a unique opportunity to shine. Once the party will come to an end you need to be very patient and believe that you have been remembered. Eventually one day, there will be a morning call to join the community.

The creative community in London is one of the most demanding yet a benchmark in the fashion industry. I am really proud to be a part of it.